America's best golf destinations: Miami
By Ceri Mobley, PGATOUR.COM Associate Site Producer
Welcome to Miami, ¡Bienvenido a Miami! (Sorry, had to get that little Will Smith reference in there -- hope you'll forgive me.)
This week, the TOUR heads to Florida's hottest spot, Miami, for the World Golf Championships -- CA Championship at Doral Golf Resort and Spa. If you're heading here for the tournament -- or any time really -- you can expect a full schedule because Miami doesn't lack attractions.
It also doesn't lack places to stay...
SOMEWHERE TO SNOOZE
Miami Madness: For an amazing deal on a four-star hotel for this week, check out the Metropole South Beach Hotel. They are running a special for Easter (or maybe the start of March Madness), and rooms at this swanky beachfront hotel start at $146 a night -- the special differs by price each night, but it still averages out to a great price. The course is 20 minutes away, and at Metropole, you have all the entertainment and attractions of Miami's South Beach at your fingertips. Amenities include a spa, personal chef services (if requested), valet parking, plasma TVs in the bedrooms and even grocery delivery if you should so feel the desire. You cannot beat this deal.
Other options
• For a touch of luxury and a cool hotel in a hot town, book your stay at De Soleil South Beach. This four-and-a-half-star resort is also only 20 minutes from Doral, but it will make you feel like you're living that Hollywood highlife that you see the stars enjoy on their frequent vacations to Florida's signature town. Rates start from $650 a night.
• When you think Miami, you think Cuban food, busy beaches and hot hot weather. You don't usually think about the Art-Deco district, but if you'd like to experience it, reserve a room at the Whitelaw Hotel. Everything in this hotel is -- you guessed it -- white. At three stars, 20 minutes from the course and rates starting from $146 a night, it's worth a look.
SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT
The thing that makes Miami so unique (in comparison to most other U.S. beaches) is its dual American and Cuban culture. Whether you love to tango, love Cuban food or just want to experience Miami's Latin life, you have to make Little Havana a stop on your Miami tour. Walk through Little Havana and your senses will be awakened: you'll smell the Cuban coffee, hear the Latin music, see the cigar rollers at work, taste the best pork you have ever tasted (outside of North Carolina, of course) and feel the beat that throbs through this part of Miami like no other place in America. You might not be able to smoke a Cuban, but you can simulate the experience with a good old Dominican cigar in Cuba's home-away-from-home little piece of Havana heaven.
More things to keep you busy
• You can't come to Miami and not experience South Beach. If you like the hustle and bustle of a busy beach with people everywhere and water activities to keep you occupied then South Beach has you covered. And if you don't -- well, you can always close your eyes and just soak up the sun with some headphones in your ears to block out the rest. But really, South Beach offers some of the best people watching you can do -- if you like that sort of thing.
• Get a bird's eye view of Miami from the city's latest attraction: The Miami SkyLift. A huge helium balloon -- that quite resembles a golf ball -- will take you up to 500 feet in the air for a 15-minute ride with a maximum of 30 passengers to experience Miami from the sky. If you don't like heights, it doesn't last too long, and it's really worth a ride.
• Miami has a personality and mystique about it that draws visitors back over and over again. Get a feel for some of that Miami mystery at the Coral Castle. Built by one man -- Ed Leedskalnin -- from scratch with nothing but the hand-made tools he carved for himself out of junk, Coral Castle bewilders most visitors, and questions abound about how, why or for whom this man carved the castle.
THE MAIN EVENT
The World Golf Championships make a stop at Doral Resort and Spa for a reason. This famous Miami resort has not one, not two, but five championships courses, and you can play them all. Try your hand, and swing, at the Greg Norman-designed Great White course. Take lessons at the Jim Mclean Learning Center before testing out your skills on Doral's Red, Gold or Silver courses. Or put on your game face and size yourself up against the crème de la crème -- the Blue Monster.
This week, 77 of the world's greatest golfers will take on the course, and each other, in the World Golf Championships -- CA Championship. This event is not the first to take place here -- the Blue Monster has hosted PGA TOUR events for 45 years, and it's as challenging as ever. With its long fairways and multiple water hazards, golfers who play here will need lengthy, straight drives and can't be afraid to get out their fairway wood to escape the course's deep Bermuda rough. The Blue Monster has been home to passionate celebrations as well as crushing losses to TOUR players throughout history. Which will it be for you?
STICKING AROUND
You might think since Miami is at the tip of Florida's mainland peninsula that you'd be short of things to do in the way of excursions -- after all, we have already covered Palm Beach, Orlando and Tampa, right? Well, get your sea legs ready because it's time to explore beyond the shore.
• Day trip to Key West: Ride the bus through the Florida Keys all the way to America's southernmost island -- Key West. The ride down there is enjoyable itself, but once you arrive, you'll have about four hours to get yourself acquainted with the island that inspired people from Ernest Hemingway to Jimmy Buffett. Of course, don't forget about all the chickens, too.
• Cruise out of Miami: The port of Miami plays host to countless cruise lines and its perfect location provides the starting point for cruises in every direction. For a fantastic deal on a cruise, check out Carnival Cruise Lines. The Bahamas are quick, easy and stunningly beautiful. You'll have a wonderful time and be back before you know it. Just don't get your hair braided -- if your hairdresser only uses one brush, you can imagine the scenario here...
Get the best deals on the best equipment all at the SHOP.PGATOUR.COM.
On par with paradise
Arkansas is home to some of the most scenic courses in the country, and there are plenty of non-golfing activities as well.
Whirlwind Golf Club
Spectacular sights, unmatched instruction and a world-class resort -- plan your trip today.
